When did you start at NBP? What were you doing before that?
I started practicing at North Brisbane Psychologists in early October 2021. Before that, I was working in the recruitment and selection field as a psychologist. My role there involved developing psychometric assessments (e.g., cognitive ability, emotional intelligence, and personality tests) for use in employee recruitment and selection. Throughout my training as a psychologist, I have also had experience as a student mentor, pastoral carer, and tertiary level-educator within the psychological sciences field.
Why did you get into psychology/therapy in the first place?
I always wanted to pursue a career that would bring deep meaning and satisfaction to my life. But, throughout my teenage years I had trouble figuring out exactly what that would be. Then, one night (while I was avoiding my university application), I was watching an episode of my all-time favourite television show ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer.’ In the episode, the characters had started studying psychology at university. The classes they were taking fascinated me! And that’s when I decided (on a whim) that I would give psychology a go. So, I applied, got in, and within the first week of classes I knew I had found my calling. To this day, I have never once regretted that decision.
What would you have done if you didn’t become a psychologist/therapist?
If I didn’t become a psychologist, I probably would have become either a high-school teacher or guidance counsellor. I have always enjoyed teaching, guiding, and working with young people.
What do you like best about your job?
The best part about this job is seeing the real difference you can make to people’s lives. There is nothing more meaningful or satisfying than to be able to help people find their feet again after they have fallen into hard times.
Which are your favourite therapies to draw from and why?
My favourite therapy would have to be Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). I think the underlying ACT philosophy is very realistic and practical. It focuses on how we can drop the struggle with our unhelpful thoughts and feelings so we can move towards doing what really matters. Indeed, applying the ACT principles to my own life has provided me with great clarity in the past and has helped me through some of my own greatest challenges. As such, I believe that ACT is a very powerful tool that can be used to help others with their own life challenges as well.
What activities do you enjoy outside work?
In my spare time I enjoy playing videogames with my friends and family. Some of my favourites are World of Warcraft, Pokémon, Stardew Valley and Mass Effect. I also enjoy getting creative and crafty. On the weekends you can often find me painting landscapes with my acrylic paint kit, completing a digital art piece, or enjoying some polymer clay crafting. When I have time, I also love to attend the theatre to watch the latest Broadway musical hit!